Gov.-elect Shapiro nominates Pat Browne as revenue chief

The Republican lawmaker served in Harrisburg for 28 years before primary defeat

Former Sen. Pat Browne, a Republican who served in the Lehigh Valley’s 16th Senate District, has been nominated by Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro to serve as Secretary of Revenue.

Browne of Allentown was among four people nominated to key cabinet positions on Thursday by Shapiro, a Democrat who will be sworn into office on Tuesday.  

The others are Rick Siger as Secretary of Community and Economic Development, former state Rep. Michael Carroll as Secretary of Transportation and Sarah Hammer as Secretary of Banking and Securities.

Browne is a lawyer and CPA who served in Harrisburg for 28 years, first as a state representative and then as a senator. He helmed the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and was part of the Republican leadership.

In May, he lost in the primary by 24 votes to now Sen. Jarrett Coleman. 

Pennsylvania’s Department of Revenue is charged with collecting and distributing most of the tax revenue due in Pennsylvania.  In December, the department collected $4 billion in General Fund revenue, according to state data.

“I am humbled to have this opportunity to serve the Governor and the people of Pennsylvania, and to join an Administration that will work everyday to move our Commonwealth forward,” Browne said in a statement. 

“As the head of the Appropriations Committee in the Senate, I have been a steward of our Commonwealth’s fiscal health, and as a member of the Shapiro Administration, I will work to ensure our Department runs programs fairly and efficiently.”

Shapiro said Browne and the others will bring new energy to the state government.

“At a time where Pennsylvania families are being crushed under a mountain of rising prices, we need leaders who will focus on reigniting Pennsylvania’s economy and providing relief for working families across the Commonwealth,” he said.

“All four are dedicated to serving our Commonwealth by investing in key infrastructure projects, bringing a renewed focus to help small businesses and revive main streets in Pennsylvania, and working to ensure consumers and businesses are well-informed and protected.”